Constitution

Paraguay 1992 Constitution (reviewed 2011)

Table of Contents

Chapter II. Of International Relations

Article 141. Of International Treaties

International treaties validly celebrated, approved by [a] law of the Congress, and whose instruments of ratification were exchanged or deposited, are part of the internal legal order with the hierarchy determined in Article 137.

Article 142. Of the Denunciation of the Treaties

The international treaties relative to human rights may only be denounced by the procedures that govern for the amendment of this Constitution.

Article 143. Of International Relations

The Republic of Paraguay, in its international relations, accepts international law and adjusts itself to the following principles:

  1. national independence;
  2. the self-determination of the Peoples;
  3. the juridical equality among all States;
  4. international solidarity and cooperation;
  5. the international protection of the human rights;
  6. the free navigation of the international rivers;
  7. nonintervention, and
  8. the condemnation of all forms of dictatorship, colonialism, and imperialism.

Article 144. Of the Renunciation of War

The Republic of Paraguay renounces war, but it sustains the principle of legitimate defense. This declaration is compatible with the rights and obligations of Paraguay in its character as member of the United Nations Organization and of the American States Organization, or as a part in integration treaties.

Article 145. Of the Supranational Juridical Order

The Republic of Paraguay, in conditions of equality with other States, admits a supranational juridical order which guarantees the enforcement of human rights, of peace, of justice, of cooperation and of development, in political, economic, social and cultural [matters].

Those decisions can only be adopted by the absolute majority of each Chamber of the Congress.